Court orders Traveller caravans to leave Curragh grounds

The High Court of Ireland has ordered approximately 70 Traveller caravans parked on lands in the Curragh, County Kildare, to leave immediately. The land is owned by the Minister for Defence. During the service of court papers, accompanied by gardaí and military police, some caravan dwellers were hostile and refused to leave. This is the latest in a series of orders related to the annual parking of caravans on the site, which interferes with its use for a racecourse and Defence Force training and leaves large amounts of waste, with cleanup costs reaching tens of thousands of euros.

The High Court heard that around 30 caravans parked on Department of Defence and racecourse lands in the Curragh, Co Kildare, have left, but three remain. The Minister for Defence is seeking an injunction to require the occupants, believed to be members of the Traveller community, to vacate. The department argues the remaining caravans encourage further trespassing and dumping. Last year, a record 89 caravans were present, with cleanup costs exceeding €64,000.

The High Court heard that about 30 caravans parked on Department of Defence and racecourse lands in the Curragh, Co Kildare, have left, but three remain. The Minister for Defence seeks an injunction, arguing the remaining caravans encourage further trespass and dumping. Concerns include a potential influx for a June prayer meeting in Monasterevin. Cleanup costs after last year's record 89 caravans exceeded €64,000.

The High Court heard a case regarding caravans parked in the Curragh area. Last year, the number of caravans reached a record 89 before an eviction order was obtained. This month, 18 caravans arrived initially, followed by another 15, but most had left by the time of the hearing.

The High Court heard that around 30 caravans parked on Department of Defence and racecourse lands in the Curragh, Co Kildare, have left, but three remain. The Minister for Defence seeks an injunction to vacate the lands, citing concerns that the remaining caravans encourage further trespassing and dumping. Last year, a record 89 caravans were present, and cleanup costs exceeded €64,000.

Around 30 caravans parked on Department of Defence and racecourse lands in the Curragh, Co Kildare, have left, but three remain. The Minister for Defence is seeking an injunction to remove the remaining occupants, citing concerns that their presence encourages further trespass. Last year, a record 89 caravans were present, and cleanup costs exceeded €64,000. The case returns on May 12.